Best foot forward

Following a nail-biting finish last year, FC Goa looks forward to change their fortunes around in the new season of the Indian Super League

Back under new management, FC Goa is all set to prove itself once again during the third season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) this year. Following much speculation over its participation after a controversial end to the season last year in which Goa narrowly lost on home ground, the team is looking to sweep the past under the rug and start over squeaky clean.

The first two years have shown immense home support, with fans coming out in throngs and filling the stadiums as well as any spare patch of space that screened the match. It is this enthusiastic support that keeps the team picking themselves back up after every fall, and entices Arthur Antunes Coimbra or Zico – Brazil’s ‘White Pele’ and former World Cup player – to return as coach each year.

He said, “This is a new season and I’m focused on the future. I don’t keep looking back at the past. I look at what lies ahead of me. I share a special bond with Goa and FC Goa. The fans have supported us right from the very beginning through our wins and losses.”

Indeed, with tons of mudslinging that festered a sour taste only months ago, Goa has returned to shutting shop early on days the team is playing and switching from European Premier League to ISL. It was time to turn a page, and with the exit of well-loved football supremos and industrialists Dattaraj Salgaocar and Shrinivas Dempo who sold their stake in the club to businessman Jaydev Mody, supporters will cheer with bitter sweet emotion as the team hopefully progresses through each stage right through to the final once more.

Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.Viva Goa magazine is now on stands. Available at all major book stalls and supermarkets in Goa.